As 2025 progresses, many landlords across England are approaching a crucial compliance milestone: the five-year renewal of their Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs).
Whether you’re a fully managed or let-only landlord, ensuring your property remains compliant isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement. But with the first wave of certificates issued back in 2020 and 2021 now expiring, thousands of landlords risk slipping into non-compliance if they don’t act soon.
Here’s everything you need to know about the EICR renewals coming up in 2025 and how using a professional letting agent like Martin & Co Poole & Bournemouth can keep you compliant and protected.
What Is an EICR and Why It Matters
An EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) is a professional inspection and test of a property’s fixed electrical systems, including wiring, fuse boards, sockets, and switches.
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must ensure:
Electrical installations are inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified electrician.
A valid EICR is provided to existing tenants within 28 days of the inspection.
New tenants and prospective tenants must be given the latest EICR before tenancy starts.
Local authorities can request to see the EICR and must be supplied a copy within seven days.
Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to £30,000, invalidate your landlord insurance, and most importantly, put your tenants’ safety at risk.
Why 2025 Is a Key Year for EICR Renewals
The regulations were introduced in 2020 and became mandatory for all existing tenancies by April 2021. That means most properties inspected early on are now reaching their five-year renewal point in 2025 and 2026.
With so many certificates expiring at once, there’s already growing demand for electricians qualified to carry out EICRs – and reports of backlogs in busy areas. Leaving it too late could mean:
Struggling to book a qualified contractor on time.
Paying premium rates due to limited availability.
Falling temporarily out of compliance while waiting for inspection slots.
At Martin & Co Poole & Bournemouth, we’re already contacting our managed landlords to schedule renewals in advance. For let-only landlords, this is your reminder – act early to avoid the rush.
What Happens During an EICR?
A qualified electrician will inspect and test your property’s electrical installation to assess whether it’s safe for continued use.
The report will list observations and recommendations using the following codes:
C3 – Improvement recommended: Not unsafe, but could be improved.
FI – Further investigation required.
If a C1 or C2 fault is identified, you must ensure remedial work is carried out – typically within 28 days, or sooner if specified by the inspector. Once fixed, written confirmation must be obtained that the property is now safe.
Why Compliance Is Especially Important for Let-Only Landlords
Let-only landlords often assume their tenant or electrician will “handle it,” but the legal responsibility always rests with you as the property owner.
Without a managing agent overseeing renewals, it’s easy to lose track of expiry dates or documentation – and that’s where the risks lie.
Non-compliance can result in:
Local authority fines up to £30,000.
Insurance invalidation, if a claim relates to faulty electrics.
Tenant safety issues, including fire or electric shock hazards.
Void periods, as a property cannot legally be re-let without a valid certificate.
By contrast, landlords who work with an experienced letting agent can rest assured that renewals are tracked, inspections are booked on time, and all legal documentation is handled correctly.
How a Letting Agent Can Keep You Compliant
Working with a professional agency like Martin & Co Poole & Bournemouth gives landlords peace of mind that compliance isn’t forgotten.
Here’s how we help:
Automated Compliance Tracking – We maintain accurate records of every EICR, gas safety certificate, and EPC, and proactively alert landlords before renewal deadlines.
Qualified Local Contractors – We work with vetted electricians who are fully certified, ensuring high-quality, legally compliant inspections.
Document Management – Reports are stored, shared with tenants, and available for your records, ready for local authority requests.
Remedial Work Coordination – If issues are found, we arrange repairs swiftly and cost-effectively through trusted local professionals.
Peace of Mind – Partnering with us for compliance ensures you’re never caught out by an expired certificate.
Compliance isn’t just a legal formality – it’s about protecting your investment and your tenants.
What You Should Do Now
If your property’s EICR was completed in 2020 or early 2021, it’s almost certainly due for renewal this year. Here’s what to do:
Check the date on your current EICR – If it’s nearing five years old, book a renewal now.
Don’t wait until your next tenancy change – Certificates must be valid for ongoing tenancies too.
Contact a qualified electrician or your letting agent – They can confirm whether your report remains valid and schedule an inspection if not.
Keep clear records – You’ll need to prove compliance if requested by tenants, insurers, or local authorities.
FAQs: EICR Renewals for Landlords
1. How long is an EICR valid for? Typically five years, unless your electrician specifies an earlier re-inspection date.
2. Do I need a new EICR for each new tenancy? Not necessarily – as long as the certificate is still valid and covers the entire period of the tenancy.
3. What happens if my property fails the EICR? You must complete the necessary remedial works within 28 days (or sooner, if required) and obtain written confirmation from the electrician that the issues have been resolved.
4. What are the penalties for non-compliance? Fines of up to £30,000, potential invalidation of insurance, and restrictions on re-letting your property until compliance is restored.
5. How can a letting agent help? A letting agent can manage the entire process – scheduling inspections, tracking expiry dates, organising remedial works, and storing certificates – so you remain compliant without the admin headache.
Final Thoughts
The first wave of EICR renewals in 2025 marks a major compliance milestone for landlords. Whether you manage your property yourself or use a let-only service, the responsibility ultimately lies with you – and missing a renewal can be a costly mistake.
At Martin & Co Poole & Bournemouth, we help landlords stay ahead of legislation. Our compliance systems, trusted contractors, and proactive management ensure your rental remains safe, legal, and ready for tenants at all times.
Get ahead of the 2025 renewal wave.Contact our team today to schedule your EICR inspection or discuss how we can manage your compliance obligations on your behalf.
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James has lived in the Poole & Bournemouth area for over 25 years and has an extensive knowledge of the conurbation. He started his career in the property industry in 2015 following his graduation from the University of Kent, Canterbury and has worked in a variety of different roles in this time. Formerly a Sales Manager, he brings an in-depth understanding of the industry to his current role as Marketing Manager at Martin & Co.
